Phillip Ray Tatum

Phillip Ray Tatum, age 62, of Abilene, passed away Friday, December 15, 2017. The funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Pastor Stan Allcorn and Rev. Jeff Ried will officiate with burial to follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Phillip was born in San Angelo to Bob and Rose Tatum on July 26, 1955. He moved to Abilene at a young age where he has lived all of his life. After graduation in 1973 from Abilene High, he and his mother worked together in the auto upholstery business, eventually opening Tatum's Trim Shop in 1979. Phillip, with the help of his mother, built one of the most reputable businesses in Abilene which still operates today under the direction of his son, Lee Tatum. Phillip was married in 1988 to Paula New. This marriage produced two children. Phillip was an active member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. He was known for his work ethic and skill in the auto upholstery business and was a very talented craftsman of all trades.

Surviving Phillip is his wife, Paula Tatum; son, Lee Tatum and wife, Britni; daughter, Clara Bucherie and husband, Danny; grandchildren, Elijah, Allie, and Micah Tatum and one Bucherie on the way; sisters Sherry Kay Wilkerson, and husband Carl, Sheila Alldredge and husband, Mitchell; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Missions.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1 PM until time of service at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.elliotthamilfuneralhomes.com.